What Does Community Living Burlington Mean to
You? Interview conducted on January 8, 2007

Darlene is a very protective mother of son Archie who is now a
22 year old young man. She has provided all the care he needs to
ensure her son has a well balanced life. When Archie was younger
Darlene contacted Maureen through Halton Support Services. With the
support of Halton Support Services, Darlene was able to engage her
son in many activities such as swimming, bowling, movies and horse
back riding lessons. When Archie turned 14, he started to attend
Dunk n Dive which was linked to Community Living Burlington.
Halton Support Services always kept Darlene informed of the
opportunities that Community Living Burlington provided. They
mentioned the possibility of providing respite care at one of their
residential homes. Darlene decided it was time to provide Archie
with new opportunities in the community and the chance to meet new
friends. Archie started to receive respite care at Berkshire
house once a month; this was continued for 2 years. In September
2003 a Community Living Burlington Respite House was opened. Archie
attended the Respite House after school and stayed over on weekends
twice a month. The Respite House was like a second home for Archie
and he loved it. Unfortunately, the Respite House was closed in
June 2005. Archie graduated from Robert Bateman High School in
2005. Community Living Burlington opened a Transitional Day Program
in July 2005. Archie started to attend this program shortly after
graduating from High School. Archie enjoys attending the program as
he gets to do so much in his community. He always looks forward to
what the next day will bring. Archie enjoys going to the SPCA,
YMCA, bowling, coffee club and much more. As the question arose
What does Community Living Burlington mean to you? Archie's
mother Darlene had lots to say. She said that since he has been
involved with Community Living Burlington he has become more
independent. Attending the Transitional and Respite programs has
given Archie the freedom to be a productive person in his
community. Being involved with Community Living Burlington has
opened many doors for Darlene and her son. Archie now attends the
Community Living Burlington dances, fan club, Out n About and
receives overnight Respite once a month at a support workers home.
Lastly, Darlene emphasized that when he (Archie) is happy, I am
happy, and he is.